<
>

Lahm and Mueller extend contracts

Germany internationals Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller have agreed new contracts at Bayern Munich, the German champions have announced.

- Mandzukic asks to leave Bayern

Lahm, 30, has extended his deal until 2018 while Mueller, 24, is now committed to the club until 2019.

"Both Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller are key cornerstones for FC Bayern," CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on the club's official website. "Both have been with the club since the beginning of their careers and will also play an important role in the future.

"I now wish Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller a successful World Cup in Brazil and keep my fingers crossed for them and Die Nationalmannschaft on their way to the title."

Lahm had always appeared happy at the club and proved a key player under Pep Guardiola as Bayern retained the German title and DFB-Pokal this season, successfully operating as a defensive midfielder for the majority of the campaign.

However, there had been doubts over Mueller's future amid reported interest from Manchester United, with the attacking midfielder recently suggesting he would require reassurances from the club if he was to remain at the Allianz Arena.

Sport Bild reported on Wednesday that United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had made an offer in the region of 50 million euros for Mueller, but the Bavaria-born player instead opted to pen an extension.

"I am delighted to have prolonged my contract until 2019 with the World Cup just days away," he said. "We held very good talks with the representatives of the club. Those talks made it clear that I am at the right place. I have the feeling I can play an important role in the club's plans. FC Bayern have been my club since 2000, and will remain my club in the years to come."

Lahm, meanwhile, has played for Bayern since 2002, although he made his Bundesliga breakthrough during a two-year loan spell with Stuttgart, and he said he wants to end his career at the Allianz Arena.

"Both the club and my management decided to enter talks at the same time, because it felt right for both sides to prolong the contract," Lahm said. "It's definitely my last contract -- I will retire here at FC Bayern. That has always been my wish. I am absolutely delighted."